Celebrating the life of William Patrick "Pat" Thomas

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Obituary for William Patrick "Pat" Thomas

William Patrick “Pat” Thomas, 61 of Cleveland, Missouri passed away January 29, 2018 at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City with his beloved family by his side. Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel (660-679-0009). A visitation will be held from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm Saturday, also at the chapel. Burial will follow services in Freeman Cemetery, Freeman, Missouri. Contributions, in lieu of flowers are suggested to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition in honor of Pat’s late sister Kathy Wise and his niece Melissa Wood, who is currently braving her own battle with this terrible disease. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com

Pat was born on March 30, 1956 in Paola, KS, to Clyde and Melva Tobin Thomas. Pat grew up in Drexel, MO, and graduated from Drexel High School. He then went on to graduate from Pitt State with a degree in Printing Production. Later he attended MidAmerica Nazarene University to continue his education. Pat also just recently received his Missouri real estate license.

Pat wore many hats in his 61 years. He took over ownership of the local newspaper, The Drexel Star, from his parents, and ran the operation from 1979-1991. He later went on to become Mayor of Drexel from 1983-1991 and South Commissioner of Cass County from 1991-1994. Pat was also the Administrator of the Cass County Health Department from 1999 to 2005. In 1995, he established a relationship with Del Dunmire and Growth Industries, which persevered off and on for the next 20 years. In the spring of 2017, Pat and Trudy got back to their journalism roots doing what he loved and established The Harrisonville Star newspaper.

Pat met his love, Trudy, early in his life. They were united in marriage on August 22, 1976. To that union came four adoring children: Jillian, Christopher, Nicholas, and Caitlin. This was his proudest accomplishment. He loved spending time with them -- playing games, going to concerts, coaching their sports teams, and just laughing with them. He was proud of each one of them and the individuals they have become.

The last 12 years, Pat had the joy of becoming “Grandpa Pat” to Gracie, Walden, Melva, and Allie. He loved to watch Gracie dance; Walden play baseball; Melva play soccer; and Allie give her mom paybacks. His life was filled with time tickling them, attending their activities, giving them advice, capturing pictures of them, and being the most awesome grandfather they could have asked for.

Pat loved life. He may have only lived 61 years, but they were a fun-filled 61 years. He enjoyed golfing with his father, Clyde, and father-in-law, Charles Koons. He loved listening to music, especially Meatloaf. He loved the game of baseball and cheering on the Royals. He will be remembered by his quick wit, his enormous laughter, his storytelling ability, his perseverance, determination, kind heart, and most importantly, his beautiful family.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Melva Thomas; sisters, Sherrill Stalnaker and Kathy Wise. He is survived by his best friend and wife, Trudy Thomas; his daughter, Jillian Marks and husband Jeremy; his son, Christopher Thomas and wife Rhianna; his son, Nicholas “Wick” Thomas; and his daughter, Caitlin Thomas. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Gracie, Walden, Melva, and Allie. Other survivors include mother-in-law, Cauline Edmonson; sister-in-law, Cara Swofford; brothers-in-law, Mel Wise, Curtis Koons, Steve Swofford, and Dan Stalnaker; niece, Melissa Wood, and many other nieces, nephews, and loved ones.

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